The baseline, or expected, level of the disease in the community—meaning it always exists, like the common cold and flu, which are usually at low, predictable rates.

Slowing the spread of the virus. If you map the number of COVID-19 cases over time, the expectation is that it will peak at some point—on a graph this peak would mirror a surge in hospital patients.

Also referred as virtual visits, telemedicine, telehealth, video visits and phone visits ― allows people and their family to continue to receive the care they need while practicing social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A face covering respirator worn by medical professionals as they care for patients who have infectious disease. Although it may look like a face mask, because of its properties it is called a respirator.

Similar in meaning as "contagious." Used to describe diseases that can be spread or transmitted from one person to another.

This is a temporary status for a healthcare facility in which all beds are full. The emergency room continues to triage and treat patients. If additional care is required and the patient is stable, the patient can be transferred to another organization.

This simply means checking yourself for COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. If you notice symptoms, you should self-isolate and seek advice by telephone from a health care provider or local health department to determine whether you need a medical evaluation.

Also known as serology testing, is a blood test that's performed to find out if a person has had a past infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. An antibody test can't determine whether a person is currently infected with COVID-19.

This step helps healthcare workers to decide if you actually need a coronavirus test. It’s a series of basic questions about your health condition and recent history.